Manchester United make their summer overtures for Senne Lammens
It’s hard to ignore that something is brewing at Old Trafford. The rumours are kicking in, the reports are multiplying, and the names are getting louder. This time, the attention turns to a young figure who has been making headlines in Belgium. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester United have already made first contact to find out the conditions to sign Senne Lammens.
The club have had a difficult few seasons. Since Sir Alex’s departure, the team has been devoid of any sort of stability. We won a few cups along the way, but there was always a lack of consistency. In the last season, the team had a disastrous time finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the final of the UEFA Europa League against Tottenham. The problems in defence and, above all, in goal were noticeable more than once. Andre Onana arrived with high expectations, but failed to fully convince with his performances. There were key mistakes all season, and his performance in big games was, to say the least, inconsistent. Therefore, it is not surprising that reinforcements in that area of the pitch are being considered.
Something is stirring in Belgium
Without getting too far ahead of themselves, reports have emerged in recent days placing a young Belgian goalkeeper on the club’s radar. The board has already taken an interest in the terms of a possible transfer, which indicates that there is some seriousness in the operation. These kinds of moves usually start like this: discreet, quiet, until they suddenly materialise.
Senne Lammens: a gamble with a future
The name is Senne Lammens, he is 23 years old and plays for Royal Antwerp. Romano has reported that he is among the main targets if the decision is made to sign a new goalkeeper this summer. Lammens is noted for his reflexes and composure under pressure. His save percentage exceeds 77%, and his performance in the Belgian league has attracted attention on its own merits.
Lammens or Dibu? The decision is not a simple one
However, if we compare the options, it all comes down to one key question: do we prioritise the present or the future? Lammens represents a long-term bet. The Belgian is a 23-year-old with good room for growth and available for around £17m. He has what it takes to compete with Onana now, and with time, he could even become our starter for the next decade. The Belgian’s style is understated, reliable, and he reads the game well.
On the other hand, the name of Emiliano Martinez is also floating around. World champion, winner of the best goalkeeper award in 2024 and more than proven in the Premier League, but his price is more than double, and, at 32 years old, he doesn’t quite fit with the long-term vision that the board want to impose. Yes, his presence would provide immediate security, but his arrival would not be the one for the future.
As United fans, we want to see the club make decisions that build something lasting. Lammens fits that vision best. It’s not just about the money, it’s about the project. We have already tried the path of signing big names in decline, and we know how that ends. Now we have to bet on profiles that can grow with us, that arrive with hunger and not with the idea of closing their career with one last big contract. Lammens has the perfect profile: young, with solid statistics and real potential. If the board really wants a change of mentality, this is the kind of signing that shows it. If it comes to fruition, it will be good news.